Geographer

Explore the World and Map Your Career - Become a Geographer

About

A geographer is a person who studies the Earth's natural and human systems as well as the interactions between them. Geographers are interested in various topics including climate, landforms, ecosystems, cultures as well as economies. They use multiple methods and tools to collect and analyse data including satellite imagery, geographic information systems (GIS), surveys and fieldwork. Moreover, Geographers often work in academia, government, non-profit organisations or the private sector. Their research can inform policy decisions related to environmental management, urban planning and transportation.

The responsibilities of a geographer can vary depending on their area of specialisation and the context in which they work. However, some typical duties of geographers include researching on various topics related to the Earth's natural and human systems such as climate change, land use, cultural landscapes, economic activities and population dynamics.

Eligibility

For Bachelor’s

  • The aspirants must pursue a Bachelor's degree such as B.Sc. in geographical science and related fields.
  • To enrol in a Bachelor's degree from a recognised university or college, the students must pass their 10+2 in PCM with a minimum of 60% marks.

For Master’s

  • To obtain a high-level job, applicants can apply for a Master's degree such as MA in Geography from an accredited university or college.

Job Roles

Geographers have a diverse range of job roles available for them depending on their area of specialisation and level of education. Here are some common job roles for geographers:

  • Environmental Consultant
  • GIS Analyst
  • Cartographer
  • Urban Planner
  • Academic Researcher
  • Conservation Scientist
  • Geospatial Analyst
  • Climatologist

Employment Sector Jobs

Geographers can work in various employment sectors depending on their area of specialisation and level of education. Here are some common sectors where geographers can find jobs:

  • Government
  • Private Industry
  • Non-profit Organisations
  • Research and Academic Institutions
  • Consulting Firms
  • Cartography and Mapping Companies

Top Recruiters

Geographers can find job opportunities in a wide range of industries and sectors and the top recruiters will depend on the specific area of specialisation. Here are some of the leading recruiters of geographers in various sectors:

  • UltraTech Cement
  • Geological Survey of India (GSI)
  • Institute of Himalayan Geology
  • Physical Research Laboratory (PRL)
  • Reliance Industries Limited (RIL)
  • Public and Private sectors
  • Mining Industry

Salary

The salary of a geographer can vary depending on factors such as education level, area of specialisation, years of experience and location.

 

Entry-level Geographer 

Approx 20,000 - 30,000 per month

Senior Geographer 

Approx 40,000 - 50,000 per month

Top-level Geographer 

Approx 70,000 - 1,00,000 per month

Skills

  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Skills
  • Data Analysis and Visualization Skills
  • Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills
  • Spatial Reasoning Skills
  • Communication Skills
  • Collaboration and Teamwork Skills
  • Technical Writing Skills
  • Environmental Awareness

Scope

Geography is a broad field with many sub-disciplines and the scope of a geographer's career will depend on their area of specialisation. Geographers with strong technical skills in GIS and data analysis are in high demand among many industries. The growing importance of geospatial technologies in fields such as logistics, transportation and public health is creating new opportunities for geographers. Here are some instances of geographers' work in various fields:

  • Environmental Management
  • Urban Planning
  • Geospatial Technology
  • Business and Marketing
  • Education and Research

Benefits

Geography is a diverse and multidisciplinary field with many benefits for those interested in pursuing a career in it. Here are some of the benefits of becoming a geographer:

  • Versatile Career Opportunities
  • High Demand for Skills
  • Positive Impact on Society
  • Global Perspective
  • Interdisciplinary Learning
  • Research and Innovation

Drawbacks

While there are many benefits to pursuing a career in geography, there are also some potential drawbacks that should be considered. Here are a few:

  • Limited Job Opportunities in Some Fields
  • Competitive Job Market
  • Low Starting Salaries
  • Technical and Analytical Nature of the Work
  • Limited Opportunities for Fieldwork